Firefighters union says governor is trying to take credit for something it did.

Firefighters Union President José Tirado

By THE STAR STAFF

The United Firefighters Union of Puerto Rico (SBUPR by its initials in Spanish) responded Monday to a report on the delivery of equipment and salary increases for firefighters, contending that Gov. Jenniffer González Colón is trying to claim credit for measures she did not initiate.

The report stated that the government announced new equipment deliveries and salary adjustments intended to strengthen emergency response across the island. The union, however, argued that the equipment purchases and related actions were requested, processed, and set in motion under the previous administration, after years of demands from first responders.

“Puerto Rico needs to know the truth,” Firefighters Union President José Tirado said. “The equipment being announced today is not a product of this administration. It was requested, processed, and purchased previously, as a result of years of struggle by our firefighters and concrete efforts under the previous government.”

Tirado said the governor has repeatedly tried to take credit for others’ work while, in his view, making decisions that harm firefighters.

“It is unacceptable that the governor is trying to portray herself as an ally of the firefighters when she vetoed the bill that sought to guarantee a fair retirement for those who risk their lives every day,” he said. “You can’t, on the one hand, block justice for our colleagues and, on the other, try to politically capitalize on inherited initiatives.”

The union chief added that the push in the Firefighters Bureau for better working conditions and pay is long-standing, noting that firefighters have sought raises and adequate resources for years.

“Firefighters don’t need speeches. They need real commitment, consistent action, and respect,” Tirado said. “The truth cannot be disguised: the improvements being announced today are the result of past struggles, not recent promises.”

The union reiterated its call for transparency and urged the governor to take responsibility for her decisions, particularly on firefighters’ retirement.

“Governing is not about appropriating the achievements of others,” Tirado said. “Governing is about responding with consistent actions. And in the case of the firefighters, we are still waiting for that consistency.”